From vibrant açaí bowls to plant-based sushi and tofu katsu bento boxes, Honolulu has a wide and diverse array of vegan food that reflects Hawaii’s history as a cultural melting pot. The beautiful weather makes it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat outside with many restaurants offering outdoor seating and take-away options, allowing you to camp out on the beach with a satisfying vegan spread. From casual cafés to impressive multi-course tasting menus, here are just 12 of the fabulous vegan restaurants that Honolulu has to offer.
Nature Waikiki
1 Nature Waikiki
Looking for a vegan fine-dining experience in Honolulu? Nature Waikiki offers an authentic farm-to-table experience. Dinners can choose between a preset six-course plant-based menu with locally sourced and seasonal organic produce and an á la carte menu that lists several vegan options. Look for dishes such as Macadamia Nut Pesto Linguine, Portobello Mushroom Laulau Pithivier, Organic Local Harvest Salad, and the Roasted Beets Poke. Call ahead, as this place books up quickly.
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Leahi Health
2 Leahi Health
Located in Kaimuki, an eclectic neighborhood with chic boutiques and foodie restaurants, Leahi Health is an unassuming beach-y eatery with only outdoor seating. This is your go-to restaurant for all-things healthy, vegan, and consistently delicious. Think vegan poke bowls, breakfast tacos, refreshing green smoothies, pizzas, and flavorful, filling salads and bowls. It’s the perfect place to stop for a bite before heading off for a hike or snorkeling adventure.
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Tane
3 Tane
Craving vegan sushi beyond the standard avocado and cucumber roll? This vegan izakaya restaurant crafts elaborate plant-based sushi and other delightful Japanese dishes. Located on Beretania Street, the restaurant boasts a stunning interior with wood and steel details for a hip ambiance. The kitchen applies traditional Japanese culinary techniques to veggies, fruits, tofu, nuts, and flowers to offer diners an unforgettable upscale experience. Whether you munch on the poke salad, enjoy the tomato nigiri, or nibble on one of Tane’s 12 signature rolls, you won’t leave dinner disappointed or hungry.
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Dara X./Yelp
4 Floralia Pizza
Formerly titled What It Dough, this mobile food truck is churning out pies worthy of its more sophisticated name. Parked on Kona street, this artisan-style pizzeria offers the only wood-fired vegan pizzas in Honolulu. The pre-set menu includes classic pies such as White, Margherita, and Pesto Royale, but customers are also encouraged to create their own with the medley of plant-based cheeses, meats, and toppings on offer. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, because you won’t find an ultra-decadent and creamy Basque-style cheesecake anywhere else. It’s worth noting that their hours vary so remember to check their Facebook page for the most current opening times.
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AV
5 AV
Located in the Kaimuki neighborhood, “All Vegan” aka AV has a swanky upscale atmosphere. Led by Chef Kenny Lee, the restaurant offers high-end American and Asian fusion cuisine through a 14 to 16 course vegan gastronomic tasting menu. Many of the courses are interactive. For example, the White Peach Dragon’s Breath is served with liquid nitrogen foam that you crush between your front teeth while blowing out air, making you look like a dragon. The Intermezzo, a melon soda encased in a shell of white chocolate, comes with Pop Rocks and a dose of nostalgia. The whole immersive, edible experience will set you back $200 per person and lasts about 90 minutes.
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Peace Cafe
6 Peace Cafe
Located in the Waikiki neighborhood, this quaint family-owned restaurant offers clean and delicious vegan options at a great price point and large portion sizes. Try the Tempeh Katsu Curry or the Mapo Tofu plate. The health-conscious cafe also offers garlic-free options for those sensitive to alliums.
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Juicy Brew
7 Juicy Brew
The menu at Juicy Brew is extraordinary. Open for lunch and late afternoon nibbles, the food here embodies the best of Hawaiian fusion. Choose from Wabi-Sabi Moco (a dish made with vegan hamburger, mushroom gravy, scrambled JUST egg, and furikake); a Smoked Jackfruit Donburi bento; or Lemon-Yuzu Poppy “Chicken” Buns. Each dish is complex in flavors and textures, making you want to order one of everything. That includes dessert. Don’t leave without a taste of the Spiced Banana Hand Pie, Peach Mochi, or Lilikoi Mango Bar.
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Umeke Market
8 Umeke Market
For a breakfast option beyond an açaí bowl, check out Umeke Market. The vegan spot cranks out fruit-and-nut-topped oatmeal; tofu scrambles; and vegan egg, cheese, and sausage breakfast sandwiches. Those who sleep past 10:30am and miss breakfast can find sustenance in the form of a build-your-own vegan plate lunch. From stewed taro leaves to Pono Chili and fry bread, this option is a must for anyone interested in tasting culture through food.
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Blondie’s
9 Blondie’s
There’s no shame in chasing down a food truck when it’s Blondie’s. Typically parked in the Lowes Iwilei parking lot from 10am to 2pm on several days of the week, this plant-based mobile eatery serves meaty sandwiches, tacos, and quesadillas until sold out. The business is working on a brick and mortar, but while that is in the works, follow the truck on Instagram for the latest menu and operating hours.
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Kaimana Farm
10 Kaimana Farm
This daytime eatery offers breakfast until close, but it’s the bento boxes and classic Hawaiian plate lunches that we’re here for. Feel free to mix and match from the plethora of vegan sides including Vegan Hamburger Steak, organic kale salad, spicy tofu poke, rainbow hijiki (seaweed), Japanese lotus roots, soba noodle salad, and more.
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Ripple of Smiles
11 Ripple of Smiles
This chef-owned concept is serious about nutrition—you have to read a paragraph on health before even getting to the food options when perusing the menu. Granted, that dedication to nourishment is what makes Ripple of Smiles so vegan-friendly. Plant-based options are plentiful and range from spring rolls to vegan pho and other authentic Thai dishes, just ask for the vegan menu and a few minutes to make your decision—you’ll need it.
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Sunrise Shack
12 Sunrise Shack
A beachside morning isn’t incomplete without at least one açaí bowl, and there’s no better place to get this than from a sunshine-yellow shack surrounded by palm trees. This mico-chain boasts several locations around O’ahu, all offering vibrant smoothie bowls topped with Instagram-worthy fruits and nuts. Just be sure to request no honey when ordering your bowl or smoothie.
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Banan
13 Banan
Bananas have never tasted so good. This three-location sweet shop transforms bananas into creamy, cool, and swirly soft serve. Toppings are gourmet and an absolute must. Choose from scratch-made Mac Nut Butter, fresh fruit, cacao nibs, granola, shaved coconut, and more. Pro tip: save yourself the indecision and opt for a pre-made Creation. From the açaí-swirled Amazon to the chocolate-infused Dark Fantasy, you’re sure to walk away with a refreshing sweet treat that fuels all of your island adventures.
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For more on vegan travel, read:
The Complete Vegan Guide to Walt Disney World
How to Pack the Perfect Vegan Beach Bag
5 Vegan-Friendly Beach Towns You Need to Visit
This post was originally published on VegNews.com.
